Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great alternative for gardeners looking to add a touch of warmth to their retreat. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be situated within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe protected.
To ensure safety from fire, you will also need to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls in front of and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but provide a rustic feel to the space, creating warmth and ambience. When you are choosing the right wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut, yurt or container home, it is important to consider the safety and rules.
When you are buying a stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to consider. It may be tempting to buy a bigger stove than is required for the space, but this could lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator to find out the approximate output required for your space and then adding a couple of additional KW to ensure.
There are a lot of small log burners available that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has beautiful country-inspired designs that would suit any type of log cabin or shed, while it boasts an output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes little air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and a multi fuel grate, meaning you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Another great option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, that is available in a variety of colours and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. The model has an extra distance to combustibles compared to other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is utilized. It also has a huge viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any log cabin.
Depending on the size and style of your shed you may have to install non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipe to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly important in the case of a shed constructed from any kind of wood, which should be kept at least 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was built using a different material, it is recommended to consult a professional installer so that the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great option to make your garden cosy and comfortable during the colder months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure that it is properly installed. This will protect your shed from fire damage and make sure that the stove meets safety and building regulations. In addition to ensuring that the area around the stove is free of combustible substances It is essential to ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. The shed could become dangerous if it doesn't have enough ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide can build up.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts with measuring the area you'd like to place it. Consider the size of the wood stove as well as any other accessories that may be required. Refer to the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from flammable materials. Also, you should consider the shed's insulation levels as they can affect the amount of heat your stove generates.
Once you've taken measurements of the space then mark the location the areas you'll need to create the opening in the shed wall. Use a plumb-line to make sure you are in the correct positions. Also, leave plenty of space between the side walls and the chimney stack and the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to guard the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. This is included with the kit and is simply lined up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed has a non-combustible hearth, which is typically constructed of either slate or granite. The hearth should be a minimum of 12mm thick, and it must be at a minimum of 250mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and the rear. The flue pipe must be shielded and the distance from combustible surfaces should not exceed 200mm.
Once the stove and hearth are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to ensure that the sealants and mortar will be cured properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. A absence of airflow could result in a non-burning fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents ensure that air continues to flow around the stove when it is in use and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and aiding in air circulation. Vents should be the same size or larger than the chimney or flue, and should be located as close to the stove as is possible.
There are many regulations you must adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation, when you install a wood burning stove in a shed. If you don't comply with these regulations, you could be fined. To avoid this, always hire an HETAS certified installer to complete your installation and provide you with the certificate of conformity.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues, must also be adhered to. This includes the distance that the flue pipe can be from combustible materials, such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue pipe must be secured against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop flue gasses from being trapped in walls that are not insulated and causing fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from possible sources of moisture. This includes any windows or doors and also any places where rainwater could spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce moisture in the air and create a pleasant environment. It can also help prevent mould and fungus from forming on the surfaces within your shed, which could hinder the performance of your stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log stove can also affect its performance. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts, or particle boards. These materials may produce toxic chemicals which can damage the stove or flue system and cause excessive emissions. They can also cause dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres, paper or plastic, these are not good for the environment and can clog up your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside the shed. However it is crucial to follow the proper guidelines for installation and ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners and ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. Additionally, it's a good idea to ensure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to consider when looking for the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Certain sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due to safety issues. You should also be aware that using wood as a construction material in this application may be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Next, you'll need to ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Without it the combustion process won't be as efficient and could pose the health risk of carbon monoxide build-up. In addition, a lack of ventilation can cause condensation, which could cause damp issues in the shed.
Make sure that the shed isn't placed too close to a stairwell, as this will cause warmed air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Likewise, your shed should not be situated too far from a window, since this could also cause drafts that can cause stoves to perform functions such as the open windows detection system.
Lastly, it's important to examine the shed roof to ensure that it is watertight and well-sealed the area where the flue pipe runs through. You should hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure it's done to a high-quality standard and in compliance with building and fire regulations. You should also keep an extinguisher of class A in the shed to respond quickly to any fire or smoke problems. It is recommended that you inspect your shed at least every year to check for signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired, and ensure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prev ent creosote from accumulating.